Thailand has long sold itself as the easy-going gateway to paradise — beaches, street food, temples, and, until now, generous visa-free stays.
But Bangkok is tightening the rules. Why? Officials say some visitors have mistaken a tourist visa for a free pass to break the law.
The Thai government has approved plans to sharply reduce visa-free stays for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the US and much of Europe.
Instead of the current 60-day limit introduced last year, most visitors may soon get only 30 days, while some nationalities could receive just 15.
The move follows a string of high-profile arrests involving foreigners accused of crimes.
Ranging from drug trafficking to sex trafficking and illegally operating businesses.
“We are not targeting any specific country,” Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow insisted.
Rules Tightened In Thailand
Describing the crackdown as an effort to stop abuse of the system rather than discourage tourism.
That balancing act matters. Tourism contributes more than 10% of Thailand’s economy, but visitor numbers still haven’t fully recovered from the pandemic.
Officials hope the country can stay welcoming while becoming tougher on what they see as growing transnational crime.
Some travel industry insiders worry shorter stays could discourage long-term visitors and digital nomads who spend heavily in local economies.
Still, Thailand appears ready to make a trade-off: fewer loopholes, even if it means fewer extended beach holidays.
Paradise, it seems, is getting stricter at the border.
